As a supportive “go ahead” for their projects, WCMC-Q’s biomedical researchers recently received $15.2 million in the form of Qatar National Research Program’s (QNRF) National Priorities Research Fund (NPRP) grants.

The funding supports 15 projects in total, covering a range of scientific areas from the bench to bedside. The projects also encompass significant international collaborations with the aim of building biomedical research capacity in Doha. Of the total NPRP funding available this, third, cycle, WCMC-Q received about 13 percent in support of its role in Qatar’s biomedical research program.

“Our researchers have one goal in mind: to improve the lives of the people of Qatar and the world through the providence of new knowledge and cutting-edge approaches to health care across all sectors,” said Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q. “With support from QNRF, we are able to put plans into motion, work toward the goal and increasingly draw top-tier researchers to this worthy mission in Qatar.”

Grants are awarded based on the research design as well as the subject and its ability to address national needs. WCMC-Q researchers therefore received financial support to forge ahead in vital research areas, including cancer, diabetes, stem cells, molecular medicine, genomics, vaccine development and basic health, as well as other fields relevant to regional and global needs.

Overall, NPRP funding for biomedical research ranked second only to funds allocated toward engineering research, a clear indication of the country’s dedication to advances along these lines.